Fred. Olsen Express Upgrades Fleet with Third Starlink Satellite Antenna for Enhanced Connectivity
Fred. Olsen Express has made significant strides in improving onboard internet connectivity by adding a third Starlink satellite antenna across its fleet.
Advancements in Onboard Internet Services
In a bid to enhance the travel experience for passengers, Fred. Olsen Express has partnered with a Spanish company to implement this advanced technology. The introduction of the third antenna is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to provide superior connectivity on its vessels. This enhancement aims to strengthen the quality and coverage of the onboard internet service.
The upgraded service is designed to deliver faster and more stable wifi access during maritime crossings. As of September 2023, Fred. Olsen Express has positioned itself as one of the pioneering maritime companies to adopt this innovative system. The collaboration with Satlink, a Spanish firm with ties to major global communication operators, has been instrumental in this development.
Expert Commentary on Connectivity Improvements
Angel Aceña, who serves as the Director of IT and Information Security at Fred. Olsen Express, highlighted the importance of this technology. He stated that the first antenna was installed in September 2023 to provide low-latency connectivity, allowing both crew and passengers to effectively utilize the wifi service. The system leverages a network of low-orbit satellites, which enhances connectivity due to their proximity to Earth.
David Rol, the Head of Satellite Communications Services at Satlink, emphasized the collaborative effort in defining the connectivity needs of Fred. Olsen Express. He noted that the goal has been to ensure a reliable and high-quality connection for both crew members and passengers, thereby improving the overall travel experience. The addition of the third Starlink antenna marks a significant step in enhancing maritime connectivity.
Current Fleet and Future Plans
Currently, each vessel in the Fred. Olsen Express fleet is equipped with three Starlink antennas. One antenna is dedicated to crew operations, while the other two serve passengers. Previously, the fleet relied on a single antenna for passenger service, but the recent addition of a second antenna has effectively doubled the available bandwidth, significantly improving the internet experience for travelers.
With an increase in passenger numbers, Fred. Olsen Express is planning to introduce a fourth antenna by the first half of 2026. This service will remain complimentary, ensuring that all passengers continue to enjoy high-quality connectivity during their journeys.
Overview of Fred. Olsen Express
Fred. Olsen Express has been a key player in ferry operations within the Canary Islands for over five decades. Since its first voyage in 1974, the company has been dedicated to enhancing maritime transport across the archipelago. Known for its modern vessels, Fred. Olsen Express prioritizes comfort, punctuality, speed, and flexibility in its services.
The company employs nearly 1,000 individuals and operates a fleet that includes eight high-speed ships, two mini-ferries, and three cargo vessels. These vessels facilitate inter-island connectivity across seven islands and also link the Canaries with the mainland, specifically Gran Canaria and Tenerife to Huelva.
Fred. Olsen Express leads the inter-island market, conducting approximately 22,500 trips annually and transporting over 3.7 million passengers, along with a substantial number of vehicles and cargo. Since its establishment, the company has served more than 89 million passengers.
In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Fred. Olsen Express is committed to minimizing its environmental impact through its ‘In Harmony with the Sea’ initiative, which promotes innovation across its operations.
Key points
- Fred. Olsen Express has added a third Starlink antenna to enhance wifi connectivity across its fleet.
- The company began implementing this service in partnership with a Spanish firm in 2023.
- This upgrade aims to provide faster and more stable internet access during maritime crossings.
- Each vessel now has three antennas, with one dedicated to crew connectivity and two for passengers.
- Fred. Olsen Express plans to introduce a fourth antenna by mid-2026, maintaining free service for passengers.
- The company has been a leading ferry operator in the Canary Islands for over 50 years.
- Fred. Olsen Express operates a fleet of eight high-speed ships and has transported over 3.7 million passengers annually.
